Snowcraig - For what it's worth, I am involved in living history events but in an earlier time frame; 17th & 18th century. I've taken part in an annual event that takes place on Lake George every October for the past few years. One thing I think you'll need to do is alter your mindset a bit. Not everything that was acceptable then is allowed now. Depending on where you decide to go you might not be able to have open fires. And, if you can, firewood may not be readily available. For that reason you might want to think about bringing firewood in with you. Although that's not historically correct, it would allow you to cook and be sure you have enough fuel for your needs. Your group size may also not be allowed where you'd like to go. It's good that you're checking this all out ahead of time but don't be surprised if that becomes a bit of a stumbling block for you; although Justin's suggestion of Tioga Point on Raquette Lake is a good one since you can reserve the sites ahead of time (although you might have a lot of folks looking at you throughout your weekend wondering what the heck is going on - LOL). Bottom line, you can probably pull this off if you want to while staying within LNT guidelines. It's just not going to be easy. If there's anything you think I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to PM me.

Not everything that was acceptable then is allowed now. Depending on where you decide to go you might not be able to have open fires. And, if you can, firewood may not be readily available. For that reason you might want to think about bringing firewood in with you.

Another option might be an area like the Powley-Piseco Rd in the Ferris Lake Wild Forest, where there are several designated campsites not very far from each other along the dirt road. There are some pretty good hiking, & paddling (or rowing) options nearby also. However, this is a popular area, and the campsites are first come first serve and tend to fill up quickly on summer & fall weekends, so getting a few of them close enough together to accommodate your group size may not be very easy, but certainly possible, especially if you plan to go midweek, and not during the big game hunting season.

Snowcraig, I'm very interested in learning more about this event. What do you plan to do to make it historically​ authentic?

For example, I can imagine that none of the clothing or equipment used can be made of modern materials (like synthetic fabrics, anything electrical, processed food, plastics, or metals like aluminum or stainless steel). Now we're talking about wool and cotton clothing, leather footwear, enameled or cast iron cookware, and simple foods (no coolers or ice!).Canned food was available at the time so that's permissible. I don't think you can bring a lantern unless it burns whale oil because kerosene was very new in 1850.

Your first challenge at Tioga Point is crossing the lake to access the lean-tos. You'll need to rent canoes that aren't made of aluminum or synthetics.

On the list of NYSDEC Adirondack Campgrounds, I've been to... Forked Lake, Lake Durant, Moffitt Beach, Indian Lake Islands, Paradox Lake, & Putnam Pond. All of which may be able to suit your group's needs, with fun hiking & rowing options located on the premises or nearby.
Lake Eaton, Golden Beach, Harris Lake, Lewey Lake, Limekiln Lake, Mecham Lake, or Nicks Lake might work also, but I can't comment on those with any first hand experience.

You can get a good idea of some of the state campgrounds and sites that are pictured herehttp://www.campadk.com/campsitephotos.html. I guess you would have to contact the campground to see what they allow for groups at adjoining sites etc.

You can get a good idea of some of the state campgrounds and sites that are pictured herehttp://www.campadk.com/campsitephotos.html. I guess you would have to contact the campground to see what they allow for groups at adjoining sites etc.

Six people per site, two vehicles, one hard-top unit, not sure about tents. Other than that, you just have to behave.

I am a regular camper (mostly modern car camping) with my family and understand that transporting wood across state lines is not permitted. I am also a hiker and spend a lot of time in the woods. My husband is a back country hiker and other-wise all around adventurer, so I'm familiar with the rules and regulations and challenges if we were go to the back country route.

For those that are curious, I have done two events in the past two years with a group of living historians re-creating 1860s hiking/tourism. The first was on the summit of Mount Mansfield - we drove up the auto (then carriage road) and had a Green Mountain Club take us on a hike. Then we had a period correct picnic. Last year we were on the summit of Mount Washington. Most of our group took the Cog Railroad, but some of us drove up the auto (then carriage) road. We rented the Tip Top House for the day. The weather was absolutely horrible so we did not get any small hikes out from the summit, but we had an authentically inside day at the summit. We do all this in 100% period clothing from undergarments, to shoes, to outwear. It is a lot of fun.

If I go forward with an event in the Adirondack region and we decide to camp, I will look for a campground that can accommodate our need (hence my original post). People will arrive by car, so we will need a place to put cars. A group site would be great, but adjoining sites could be okay. We will sleep in canvas tents on cots/beds/bedrolls - all natural fibers and filling - straw mattress, cotton and wool blankets. We will dress authentically the entire time. Cooking will be done over a fire in a period manner. Water (will be procured from a potable source) will be stored in period containers - jugs or bottles. Light sources will be lanterns at night. Most of the participants are used to Civil War encamptments, so period camping is not difficult for us. Because everything is stored in period containers, we actually make very little trash, so that is not a big issue.

The activities we would do would be hiking - mostly short excursions but could be longer for adventurous folks. If we are near a lake, I'd love to have a row boat - finding something period might be a challenge, so we can make allowances for that if need. People during this time period sketched and studied nature. They sat in nature and read and enjoyed the views. I think there is fun potential for us. I just have to find the right location.

Oh and this would just be an experience for us - not an open-to-the-public type of an event. Of course, we would be happy to chat with those we encounter about what we are doing.

Probably more than you wanted to know. Thanks again for your suggestions!

There is a group site at Rogers Rock Campground for up to 60 people. It's on the water and back out of the way for this very reason. I've not seen it myself so I can't comment on how wooded it is but it could be a very good option for what you would like to do.

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